ABSTRACT
The idea that animals are no less worthy of fundamental human rights than humans themselves is considered in this chapter. It explains the origin, nature, and impact of the concept of human rights, as well as the criticisms of the notion, its meaning and application from various quarters in which views range from the unconvinced to the hostile. This is followed by an attempt to examine whether the championing of such rights for animals, and its acceptance by the law holds any real prospect of acceptance. Arguments against the concept of human rights include their imprecision, individualism, relativism, utilitarianism, socialism, and critical theory. The question of whether and how human rights might be extended to animals is discussed and evaluated.
